Olive oil is likely a staple in your kitchen, used daily—maybe even multiple times a day. Besides being incredibly versatile in cooking, this rich, flavorful oil boasts numerous health benefits. However, shopping for extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) can be daunting.

Grocery store shelves are often lined with bottles from various brands, each labeled with terms like "cold-pressed," "early harvest," and "single-origin." Additionally, olive oil has become more expensive recently, driven by severe weather conditions impacting production in major olive-producing countries overseas.

How can you ensure you're investing in a quality product and not overpaying for subpar oil? To help you navigate the options, I recently sampled 15 of the most popular olive oils available at grocery stores to find the best ones for your kitchen. Before diving into the taste test, I also spoke with Brooke Gil, an olive oil sommelier at Whole Foods Market, to get expert tips on how to shop for olive oil. Here's what I learned.

What Does Single-Origin Olive Oil Mean?

Like coffee, wine, and chocolate, olive oil can be made from fruit grown all over the world. When a bottle is labeled "single-origin," it means that all the olives used in that oil come from the same country. "One reason to choose a single-country origin oil is the shorter transit time and minimal blending, which often results in a higher-quality oil," explains Gil.

The origin of the olives also influences the flavor of the oil. Similar to wine grapes, olives can develop different flavors and characteristics depending on where they're grown. Factors like soil, climate, topography, and even the weather of a particular year can all affect the terroir of the olives and, consequently, the flavor of the oil. "Single-variety olive oils are ideal for those who prefer a specific flavor or finish," says Gil.

Do All Olive Oils Have the Same Levels of Antioxidants?

Olive oil is rich in antioxidants known as polyphenols, but the levels can vary depending on several factors. "Polyphenol content in olive oil is greatly influenced by the type of olive, the harvest time, production quality, and the age of the oil," says Gil. Olive varietals with the highest polyphenol levels, such as Picual, Koroneiki, and Coratina, often produce the boldest-tasting oils.

Polyphenol levels are highest when olives are harvested before they fully ripen, so oils made from early-harvested fruit (typically picked in October in the Northern Hemisphere) generally have more antioxidants.

What Does "Virgin" Mean in Olive Oil?

If a label doesn’t include the term "virgin," the oil may have been treated with heat or bleach to neutralize its odor and flavor. "Non-virgin olive oil lacks the added health benefits of polyphenols that you find in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)," warns Gil.

For this taste test, I focused on extra virgin olive oils across a range of price points and origins that are widely available in grocery stores. I evaluated each brand based on appearance and taste. Here are the results, ranked from my least favorite to the overall best.

15) Pompeian Smooth Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

Pompeian's extra-virgin olive oil line includes a variety of options such as smooth, robust, organic smooth, and a "fresh and fruity" version intended for roasting and sautéing. According to the label, this particular bottle is ideal for sautéing and stir-frying. Gil points out that all olive oils are suitable for higher-heat cooking, including sautéing, grilling, and pan-frying. Priced around $18 for a 48-ounce bottle, this is one of the more affordable options I tried.

Appearance:
This oil comes in a soft plastic bottle, not a squeeze bottle, and pours out quickly, making it easy to use more than intended. It has a darker yellow hue compared to other oils I sampled.

Flavor:
While this budget-friendly option is suitable for cooking, it doesn't offer much in terms of flavor. I wouldn't recommend using it in dressings or as a finishing oil, as it primarily adds texture and moisture without contributing much taste.

14) Filippo Berio Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

This widely available oil can be found in most grocery and convenience stores. It comes in a plastic bottle and is likely made from a blend of olives sourced from different regions, setting it apart from the brand's 100% Italian olive oil.

Appearance:
The oil has a bright, sunny yellow color.

Flavor:
Similar to the Pompeian oil, this extra-virgin olive oil has a mild and basic flavor. It's suitable for greasing a skillet or coating vegetables before roasting, but it's not the best choice for finishing a dish where a more flavorful oil drizzle is desired.

13) Trader Joe's Premium Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

Trader Joe's offers an impressive selection of olive oils, including this one, which is crafted from a blend of olives sourced from Spain, Italy, Argentina, and Greece, as noted on the Trader Joe's website.

Appearance:
This oil leans more towards green than yellow and has a darker hue.

Flavor:
The taste reflects its greenish tint, with a verdant, vegetal flavor reminiscent of green bell peppers.

12) Spectrum Organics Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

This brand prides itself on producing 100% organic products, and this extra-virgin olive oil is no exception, made with 100% expeller-pressed olives. It has a smoke point of 325°F, placing it on the medium-to-low end of the olive oil spectrum.

Appearance:
The oil is clear, transparent, and slightly paler than other olive oils.

Flavor:
Spectrum's olive oil isn't overwhelmingly bold but offers a pleasant fruitiness. It's light and mild, making it ideal for baking or low-heat cooking.

11) Terra Delyssa Single Origin Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

This olive oil is crafted from single-origin Tunisian olives that are hand-harvested and cold-pressed within four hours of picking. It boasts less than 0.4% acidity and is available in heavy glass bottles in 1-liter and 500-milliliter sizes.

Appearance:
Terra Delyssa olive oil is light and golden, with a clear, impurity-free appearance.

Flavor:
With its mild flavor, this oil serves as a versatile kitchen staple suitable for various cooking methods. While it's balanced enough for salad dressings, it lacks the boldness to stand out when used on its own.

10) Colavita Premium Selection Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

This European blend features olives sourced from Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. It is packaged in glass bottles equipped with pouring spouts for easy, measured use.

Appearance:
The oil is a bright hay-yellow, with a clear and smooth consistency.

Flavor:
This olive oil is an excellent choice for everyday cooking. It's reasonably priced and offers a balanced flavor with a subtle peppery kick at the back of the throat.

9) Bono Italian Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

This olive oil is made exclusively from Italian-grown olives, specifically a blend of four varietals: Biancolilla, Cerasuola, Carolea, and Coratina, sourced from Sicily, Calabria, and Puglia.

Appearance:
The oil has a greenish hue with sunshine-yellow undertones.

Flavor:
This delicate oil is perfect for finishing or dressing dishes without overpowering them. It has a fresh, herby taste with a slight green note, adding a pleasant touch of freshness to your meals.

8) Chefs Life Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

This product line, created by restaurateur Brian Malarkey, features high-quality oil blends packaged in convenient squeezable plastic bottles. The extra-virgin olive oil is made from organic olives.

Appearance:
The oil has a paler, more transparent, and diluted color compared to others in this comparison.

Flavor:
This oil offers a slightly fruity and peppery taste, making it perfect for adding a piquant flavor to cold dishes or for dipping bread. However, it may be too flavorful for high-heat cooking.

7) Corto Extra Truly Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 13 g (Saturated Fat: 2.5 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

This olive oil is made from California-grown olives and carries the extra-virgin certification from the California Olive Oil Council.

Appearance:
The oil boasts a bright, bold, deep sunflower yellow color.

Flavor:
Corto's oil is smooth and robust, with a rich, round mouthfeel and a full-bodied, fruity flavor. It's an excellent choice for cooking, but it also shines when used to elevate a piece of bread or a bowl of soup.

6) Simpli Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

This olive oil hails from Sparta, Greece, and is made exclusively from the Koroneiki olive varietal. It’s packaged in charming, compact tin bottles.

Appearance:
The oil has a golden color with a deep greenish tint.

Flavor:
This oil offers a bright, peppery flavor, making it perfect for enhancing salad dressings or soups. It's also robust enough to be a versatile kitchen staple for marinades and roasting.

5) California Olive Ranch 100% California Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

This extra-virgin olive oil, packaged in a glass bottle, is readily available in most grocery stores and is made from California-grown olives. It’s certified non-GMO and is marketed as the company's "everyday" option, alongside their more premium blends.

Appearance:
The oil has a greenish-yellow color, with a clear and bright appearance.

Flavor:
True to its label, this olive oil is an excellent "everyday" choice. It’s perfect for roasting, sautéing, or baking and features a light floral and grassy flavor that works well in both cooked and non-cooked dishes.

4) La Tourangelle Smooth & Fruity Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

La Tourangelle offers two varieties of this extra-virgin olive oil. This smooth and fruity version is crafted from a blend of Arbequina and Picual olives grown in Andalucía, Spain, and has a medium-high heat tolerance.

Appearance:
The oil is packaged in beautifully designed, opaque cylindrical metal bottles, which help preserve its antioxidants by shielding it from direct sunlight. It has a very dark yellow color and is more concentrated than other oils I sampled.

Flavor:
This oil has a slightly peppery and fruity flavor, striking a nice balance between spicier oils and the more mellow, smoother options.

3) Graza Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

This trendy squeeze bottle from Graza contains oil made from Picual olives grown in Andalusia, harvested early in October. This early harvest results in a more pungent, green, and high-antioxidant oil. Fun fact: according to Graza's website, each bottle of "Drizzle" oil requires 5,000 olives to produce.

Appearance:
The oil has a cool, grassy green hue.

Flavor:
This oil is not meant for cooking (and Graza advises against it; that's what their "Sizzle" oil is for). The flavor is wonderfully piquant and bold, with a smooth and satisfying mouthfeel. It's perfect for drizzling over bread, a Caprese salad, or even ice cream.

2) Wildfare Early Harvest Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

Wildfare offers a variety of high-quality products using ingredients sourced from the Mediterranean region. This particular oil is made from Memecik olives grown near the Aegean Sea.

Appearance:
The oil is lighter in color than many others, with a more golden hue than green.

Flavor:
This full-bodied oil is delicious and well-balanced, with a slightly bitter and acidic finish that leaves a punch at the back of the throat, making it ideal for drizzling over finished dishes. It also has a fruity and bright flavor, with a hint of citrus.

1) Kosterina Everyday Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Tbsp):

  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 14 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 0 mg
  • Carbs: 0 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
  • Protein: 0 g

This oil not only comes in one of the most elegant bottles but also ranks among the best-tasting everyday oils I sampled. It's made from organic Koroneiki olives grown in Greece and has a heat tolerance of up to 400°F. According to the Kosterina website, the oil boasts a polyphenol content of over 400 mg/kg at harvest.

Appearance:
Kosterina’s oil is slightly green, pure, and clear.

Flavor:
While this isn't Kosterina's finishing oil, it offers a wonderfully delicate flavor that's perfect for sauces and dressings. The oil is light and fruity, with just enough grassy pep to give it a sophisticated edge without being overly spicy, making it versatile enough for both cooked and uncooked dishes. The high heat tolerance also makes this Greek oil an excellent choice for roasting, sautéing, and baking.

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